Detecting the phase transition in thylakoid membranes of maize inbred lines by means of delayed fluorescence

• DF temperature dependency differ in three maize hybrids.
• The maximum of DF temperature dependency has been correlated with functional properties of prestigious maize inbred lines.
• The DF temperature dependency is correlated with values of phase transition of thylakoid membrane.

In this paper the changes on growth, photosynthesis and water relations were tested by non-invasive fluorescence method. The applications of this method allow to determine some functional properties of prestigious maize inbred lines with erect top leaves. So the temperature dependency of delayed fluorescence intensity maximum of ZPPL 16 is observed at higher temperatures than for ZPPZ 62. This fact correlates with low values of phase transition of activation energy Ea in thylakoid membrane and accompanied by a decrease of the angle and area of the leaf, as well as with the content and the rate of water release from the seed. It seems reasonable to assume that, DF can be applied in breeding and maize hybrid seed production for the estimation of prestigious maize inbred lines and their resistance adaptability to increased and high temperatures, as well as, to drought.